The seasonal flu vaccine is offered free of charge to protect people at the greatest risk from catching and spreading flu.

Who should have the vaccination?

The seasonal flu vaccine is available free of charge for

everyone aged 65 or over

all pregnant women

everyone under 65 years of age (including children and babies of six months and older) with a chronic illness (e.g. diabetes, heart disease or any other long term condition)

everyone living in a residential or nursing home

Those who are in receipt of a carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if the carer falls ill. (Please note – this category refers to individual carers entitled to a free flu vaccine on the NHS, not professional health and social care workers who should be vaccinated by their employer as part of an occupational health programme.)

It is also recommended that all frontline health and social care workers have the flu vaccination

The viruses that cause flu change every year, so people in at risk groups should get vaccinated annually.